Lesson 4: Examining the Causes of the Revolution

Overview:

This lesson will be a very in-depth look into the exact reasons for the Revolutionary War. As a class we have already touched on the main causes of the War, however we have yet to really dive into what those cause meant and where they stemmed from. This lesson will be just that. We as a class will look at both the British and the Colonists reason for wanting War and where those causes originated from. We will examine the issues which forced the Colonists to declare Independence, and then related those same reasons to current events around the world and in recent history. As a teacher I want this lesson to be able to provide students with a firm understanding of the ideologies which existed during the Revolutionary War, and how those same ideologies helped to change the future of America.

Research Project:

This research project will conclude with a debate between the Continental Congress and the British Parliament. The debate will be over the reasons the Colonists wanted independence from Britain, and Britain’s reasons for not wanting to allow independence. Each student will be asked to research both the British and Colonists sides of the debate. As a class we have already touched on the reasons behind the Revolutionary War (Colonists and British), and now we as a class will explore the causes behind those reasons. Each student will research the 5 major themes behind the war, and will be asked to post on the class blog their ideas and thoughts on their research. Each student will be required to blog once a day. The research will be conducted through the internet, publications, and videos shown in class. After 4 days of research students will be separated into two teams; one being the Continental Congress and the other being the British Parliament. Students will not know what team they are on till the day of the debate. On the day of the debate, students will be given 2 hours to get with their respective teams to discuss their arguments. At this time students should be able to reference the class blog for more in-depth thought into their arguments.

Resources:

For this lesson students will be required to blog on my Tumblr page. They will also be required to use my Shelfari page for texts to use in doing their research project. As always, students will be required to use internet research to help expand their understanding and their research.





http://paulminks5thgrade.tumblr.com/